In response to terminating DACA

We, the Boerne Benedictines, are called to seek God in community and to respond in ministry through sharing our spirituality and addressing the needs of the people we serve, especially the poor.

Though extremely disappointed by President Trump’s decision to terminate the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival, DACA, we realize this is an opportunity for our elected officials in Washington to finally take appropriate action.

Preceding DACA, the Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors, or DREAM Act, was introduced in 2001. Over the past 16 years, many versions of the Dream Act have been introduced to Congress. All were designed to protect children, who were brought to the United States illegally by their parents, from deportation. None of them have passed into law.

It is time for our politicians in Washington to make it right for the approximately 800,000 young people who call the United States home. These children broke no laws. Yet they live in the shadows and in constant fear because of the uncertainty of their future. They dream of becoming U.S. citizens. We know them as courageous Dreamers.

As women of faith, we hear the call of the Gospel to welcome the stranger, the immigrant, and the refugee who come seeking a better life. We hear the cries of these Dreamers who call this country home and who seek to contribute their talents to better their communities.

We join religious men and women throughout the US in strongly urging Congress to act justly and with compassion. We pray for unity amongst our leaders as they work together to pass bipartisan legislation that gives Dreamers hope and a clear path to citizenship.